The spy had faced danger before.

  He had infiltrated corrupt courts, uncovered treasonous plots, and exposed fraudulent nobles.

  But nothing had prepared him for Lord Lucian Veilwood.

  He burst into Countess Amelia Redgrave’s study, breathing heavily, still trying to process what had happened.

  Amelia raised an eyebrow, setting down her tea. "You’re back earlier than expected."

  The spy knelt before her. "My lady… he let me go."

  A pause.

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  Amelia’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Explain."

  The spy swallowed. "I was caught sneaking into the records room. That lady!! That lady is scaryyy"

  The spy had never sensed that level of danger ever before.

  "I... I thought I was finished. But Lord Veilwood… he just dismissed me. He told me to ‘report accurately’ and that he ‘hates misinformation.’"

  Amelia tapped her fingers against the desk, considering.

  "So he knew you were watching and didn’t care?"

  The spy nodded, still pale. "It wasn’t just that. It was the way he said it. No fear. No hesitation. It was as if… he wanted me to spy on him."

  A long silence filled the room.

  Then, Amelia chuckled.

  "Oh, this is interesting."

  She leaned back in her chair. "Either Lord Veilwood is the most oblivious noble in the empire… or he’s playing a very deep game."

  She turned to her assistant.

  "Send another spy. This time, someone better."

  "But he is our best spy, my lady"

  Amelia thought for some time and said "Send Phantom, it's risky but that's our best bet".